It happened to be a free day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, so we decided to take Aja and Amber there since we had the time. Amber hadn't been there in something like ten years, and it was the first field trip we have been able to take Aja to in awhile. While most of the special exhibits happened to be paid ones on this particular day, we were still able to see all of the free stuff.

To chronicle our time there, Lyn and Richard took many photos that document most of the major sections that we were able to visit.

At the beginning, there was a guy in a walking dinosaur that was out greeting people. It actually freaked out a few little kids, of which there were many on this day. Next, we visited one of the smaller first-floor exhibits which featured the life cycle of butterflies.

Then, we visited Space Odyssey at the Coors Visitor Center to the Universe. There were many interactive displays here, and we would have liked to spend more time here. However, we were trying to see everything in a limited span of time, so we only spent a few minutes here.

Outside of the Coors Hall of Gems and Minerals, there were a few service puppies on display! One of them looked a lot like our Shih-Tzu Bo-Bo! He/she did have a white patch on his head and is smaller than Bo-Bo, but the coloring was almost the same!

We decided to take the elevator to the third floor and work our way back down to the Gems and Minerals exhibit later. On the third floor, we first visited the Egyptian Mummies exhibit on the third floor, one of the older ones at the museum. Rich got a little carried away with the mummy silliness, but it’s a fun little experience.

Next, were the Wildlife Halls exhibits on both the second and the third floor. After that was the Prehistoric Journey exhibit.The large dinosaur models built to scale, which are pretty awesome to see.

The North American Indian Cultures exhibit (should be Native American Cultures, honestly) is one that we had missed on a previous trip since it’s located behind the Wildlife Halls on the second floor. It’s pretty cool. Rich learned about the Utes, and he thinks he knows how to say it properly now. Since Lyn and the kids have Native American ancestry (Rich does have a tiny bit, as well), this was a particularly interesting exhibit. We also were quite intrigued by the Navajo Hogan dwelling.

Our final stop on our tour around the museum was the Coors Hall of Gems and Minerals. It’s both dark and a bit awkward to take pictures in close quarters. So, we don't have many photos of that.

We were able to see pretty much everything in the course of about an hour and a half or so. There were a couple of exhibits that we missed, including Expedition Health which actually did not require a ticket although we thought it did. They had people waiting outside because there are certain items that they don’t want brought in there. We’ll have to check this out on a future visit.

We could have spent more time in individual exhibits, but we only had a limited amount of time to see everything, as was mentioned earlier. The other exhibits all required tickets, which would have added up quickly.

Here are some of the photos we took as well. Click the photos to see the full view, as well as to enlarge them. (There's more to the story after the gallery)

All in all, this is one of the best museums to visit on a free day. So if you happen to be in the Denver area for whatever reason, see if they are having an SCFD free day. It’s quite conveniently located and while parking is often full, you can always park nearby at the zoo, which is right next door.

Our little Nova Skye Rowell is 24 weeks in utero, as of February 13, 2016! Here's the latest on how she's doing, how I'm feeling, what's been going on, and 24 week fetal development.

What's Nova doing in There This Week?

At 24 weeks pregnant, the baby's hearing is more developed. They're said to be able to make out sounds and hear voices now. Little Nova seems to be proving that theory. Whenever daddy Rich talks or I talk, she kicks up a storm. She seems to do it more for him, unless I'm a little louder. That goes along with medical info that says she should be able to hear lower frequency sounds, like that of the male voice, better.

Another cool thing she did is to kick vigorously for hours while I was singing along with music. Anytime I stopped, the kicking stopped and when I started back up again, so did her movements. She also seems to kick up a storm whenever one of my sister's cats lays on my stomach and purrs.

When's the Next Prenatal Visit and What's it About?

Our next appointment is February 16, so it's right around the corner. This is when I get to drink that icky glucose drink for the diabetes test. As with all appointments, we'll also hear Nova's heartbeat and have a routine checkup. We'll also be following up with the doctor regarding the Placenta Previa. It was diagnosed during an ER visit after some troubling symptoms and is something that needs to be monitored regularly.

Therefore, the OB doctor needs to do a follow-up and watch it, as determined is necessary. I assume this means we might get another ultrasound, even though we didn't have that planned until the next visit. The best way to look at the placenta is the same way you look at the baby and that's via ultrasound. Not sure if we'll get a look at the baby if that's what happens, but if we do, Rich and I will post more ultrasound pictures.

UPDATE 2/16/2016: My OB doctor has confirmed that I do not actually have Placenta Previa. I do have a low-lying placenta. However, it's not low enough to be a concern and this is actually normal at 24 weeks. The placenta will rise as the baby gets bigger and I get further along. I was told to rest even more because of the pain and spotting -- and just due to this being a high-risk pregnancy. This news is kind of a pain because I don't really do very much as it is. Rich and I are working together and trying to figure out what else there is left to eliminate from my responsibilities, but it isn't much, at this point. It also doesn't help that I can be a very determined and stubborn person (as can be witnessed in the paragraph below from the original post) and there are no responsibilities left that I feel willing to give up. We'll work it out though.

How's the Momtrepreneur?

Let's just say I'm hanging in there. The pain and fatigue is pretty bad and it’s there all the time. There are no pain free days and there haven't been since the pain started. There are days when it eases slightly and I use those days to get the most done. I do a lot of my work from bed and the kids and Rich help me with what they can help me with. I’m a mom, so I do mom things and sometimes I do them when I shouldn’t. But I do my best to rest and take it easy as much as possible. That’s really all you can ask of someone with 4 kids and one on the way.

Total and complete bed rest is out of the question, unless I’m forced to by the doctors. I joke with Rich that they might have to admit me to the hospital and strap me to the bed to get me to do that -- and even then, I might break free and do mom things. Haha Maybe I’m not that bad. But, there are things parents do that just can’t be replaced with anyone else, no matter how generous others are and no matter how much help you’re offered.

Sometimes kids just need their parents to do certain things. Plain and simple. I’m a mom and will always be a mom. I’m always going to do whatever my kids need me to do. Trust me, I do rest when Nova needs me to. However, the world doesn’t stop just because I’m in pain.

What About the Dadtrepreneur?

Well, you can ask Rich himself for the full scoop. Only he can say how he feels on the inside. But from my perspective, he’s already becoming a great daddy. It would seem he’s been having some sympathy pains and symptoms, which is not surprising, considering how close we are and how involved he is. He’s been super tired because of my difficulties in this pregnancy, but he has never once complained about my symptoms and always helps when he can. I’ve noticed that whenever I feel a certain way, most of the time he says he does too, even if I haven’t said anything about my symptoms. That’s pretty darn cute -- and probably also not fun because how I feel lately isn’t great.

Rich has been very involved in everything, from attending every prenatal (and other) doctor visit, to helping choose clothing and other baby items, and so much more. If baby is in the equation, so is he. I love how his face lights up when he feels Nova kicking or when I say anything related to her. We have long discussions on everything from feeding, to schooling methods, to parenting styles, and more. As an experienced parent of 4 already, even though Nova will be his first, I can easily say with confidence that he’s going to be an awesome dad.

Accomplishments This Past Week

We won a ton of stuff for Nova on Listia, eliminating a good chunk from the Amazon Registry. We also received a couple more registry gifts and bought some much-needed items ourselves from the registry, Target, and thrift stores. You would not believe how much we got for how little we spent. We also got a steal deal on some baby leggings (get 5 for free and pay only shipping with a promo code). If you want my promo code to get some for free, ask soon, as it expires in less than 30 days.

Nova still needs some stuff, but we accomplished so much on that front in this past week alone and we really appreciate anyone helping us during this tough time. It’s been a struggle with me having to leave my job and being unable to do any work that doesn’t involve the computer, due to the pain. Some days I can’t even do that. But, we’re still here and making it happen the best we can because that’s what parents do.

Interesting 24 Week Fetal Development & Pregnancy Info

The 24- week mark is a significant one because it’s this week that the baby is considered to be officially “viable,” meaning that potential survival outside the womb (if born prematurely) is more realistic. It would still require intensive medical care. However, knowing there is a chance is good reassurance for many parents-to-be, especially those at risk for preterm labor. Doctors would still try to halt the delivery process because the baby should remain in the womb longer, if at all possible. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk of health issues. Survival rate increases with each extra day the baby is in the womb until term.

By the end of 24 weeks in utero, the baby can weigh around 1.3 pounds and be about 11.8 inches long. That’s almost a foot! The inner ear is also fully developed at this stage and your baby may be able to tell the difference between being upside down and right side up. You may also notice the jerking motions your baby makes when hiccuping and other fetal movements should be strong as well.

Though long, the baby is still skinny at this stage and most of the weight is from the skin and lean muscles. The 6 ounces baby usually gains in this week is attributed to muscle, bone mass, and organs. Baby’s alveoli are forming nicely in the lungs at 24 weeks, so that they can later be inflated when baby needs to breathe outside the womb. Baby’s skin is still “see-through” right now. But, it’s starting to get filled in with fatty cells and will be more like yours later in development.

The eyelids are fully formed but they won’t be able to unseal and open for a few more weeks. Bone marrow is also being made by the red blood cells by 24 weeks. The baby’s tastebuds are also forming at 24 weeks. So, you may be able to notice a reaction in your baby to certain tastes, especially bitter ones.

Muscular coordination in the hands and legs is better developed. Baby may be observed sucking their thumb and may kick and punch more than before. Sweat glands are also forming from 24-25 weeks. Your baby will also have creases appearing on the palms of their hands. The baby’s body also starts filling out and looking more like a newborn.

You may notice stretch marks appearing on the hips, breasts, and abdomen. Cocoa butter or stretch mark creams may provide some relief or fade them. But they may not. A more supportive bra can help prevent (or at least reduce the intensity of) breast-area stretch marks. They may be reddish-brown during pregnancy. After delivery, they usually lighten. Around 90% of women get stretch marks at some point during pregnancy.

You may feel the need to use moisturizing eye drops at this point, as the eyes can be dry, gritty, and more sensitive to light than usual. This is normal during pregnancy and common starting at around 24 weeks.

Remember to eat healthy during pregnancy, as your baby is growing and needs nutrition. Your obstetrician or midwife can discuss healthy options specific to your situation. Everyone is different and will have different needs, based on health, usual dietary habits, medical conditions, supplementary needs, and more.

Picking a name for your baby is an important decision. Choosing between baby names is a meaningful moment in parenting that will remain a treasured memory. It’s something that will represent that baby their whole life. The name-choosing process can bring the first feelings of parenthood to the forefront for expectant parents, especially if it occurs during the first pregnancy. Something about finalizing the name finalizes the fact that a child exists because of you and you will now be a parent. I've had the joy and privilege of experiencing this five times. Here’s how the names were chosen each of my children.

The Naming Process

For each of my subsequent baby girls, I wanted their names to be unique. In fact, their names are so unique that it's possible no one else has them - at least not exactly as they are. I put a ton of time and effort into choosing the names for my girls, composing most of their names myself, including the meanings for each one.

The names needed to include French and/or Native American influences. The first names needed to be very unique and the middle names needed to be simpler, in case the girls wished to use an easier name as they grew older. One has chosen to use her middle name with friends.

I spent entire months of each of the first two pregnancies combining letters to form possible names, keeping note of my favorites, eliminating name after name as time went on to eventually come up with the final choices. Ironically, with my second daughter, after all that work, I changed a couple letters last minute as I was filling out the paperwork for the birth certificate. It just came to me to change it for some reason.

However, with the fifth child (fourth girl), my partner (Richard Rowell) and I varied slightly by choosing something that is an existing name, but is very unique. We wanted a unisex name that still had the French and Native American influence. I narrowed the choices down to a list of several and sent it to him, not telling him which name I had in mind. He actually favored the same name. So, we went with that.

To me, there is no one like any of them and I wanted the kids’ names to reflect that. Names should reflect each person’s individuality, rather than going along with the crowd. They should not be copied, but should instead come from the heart. As the kids have grown older, it’s been fun to watch their personalities develop into exactly what the meanings of their names are. They have made me even more of a believer in baby name choice being such an important decision.

With my son, I had different thoughts. He was originally going to be a junior, simply because he was the only boy and that was special to his father (my partner at the time). But, that didn't happen. On the day of his birth, I all of a sudden got a change of heart in this baby’s name. I said to him, “I want to name him after your father”. He agreed. Two months later, his father passed away very unexpectedly. I now feel like that was not only an instinct of motherhood, but some sort of sign when I got that change of heart on the name.

The Final Names & Their Meanings

KaShayonay Amber [Kuh - Shy - Uh - Nay; Am - Ber] - KaShayonay is my first daughter. Her name means patient, kind, loving, ambitious, beautiful, strong-willed, and stylish. The spelling and pronunciation are influenced by both French and Native American languages. The middle name Amber refers to the gemstone, which is similar to the color her eyes are sometimes (they change colors). I felt it went along with the stylish and beautiful definitions. She does love fashion and is very creative. Interestingly, all of the meanings did end up fitting her personality.

Tiala Chérie [Tee - Ah - Luh; Shay - Ree (Fr.) or Shuh - Ree (En.)] - Tiala is the second born. Her name means cheerful, sweet, helpful, kind, loving, and strong-willed. The spelling/pronunciation of this name has origins in both Native American and French languages. Chérie is French for dear or sweetheart, which goes along with her sweet and helpful aspects.

Ajaléa Naté[Ah - Zhuh - Lay - Uh; Nuh - Tay ] - Ajaléa is the third-born child and third daughter. Her name means strong-willed and stubborn, creative, loving, kind-hearted, and helpful. The spelling and pronunciation is again influenced by Native American and French languages. Her middle name is French-influenced and means creative and strong. She is definitely both. (Hear the Zh sound)

Nathaniel DeWayne - Nathaniel is the fourth-born and goes by Nathan for short and never Nate. Nathaniel means “gift from God”. I’m not religious and this name was simply to carry on his grandfather’s legacy. However, I do feel he is a gift from the universe. Curiously, this is also a French name. DeWayne is his father’s middle name and means “wagon maker,” which goes along with his creative nature.

Nova Skye - Nova is the fifth and is still growing in the womb, as we speak. Her name also has Native American and French roots. In English, Latin, and French, Nova means “new”. In Native American, it means “chasing butterflies”. We also chose it for the starry phenomena known as a supernova. Because of the starry connection, we chose Skye to go along with Nova. The meaning of Skye is obvious. It is a variation of the word sky. We will have to wait and see if her personality matches these definitions in the exact manner those of her siblings have.

Bonus Tips From An Experienced Mom

Choose a name that seems to reflect your baby’s personality while in the womb. I found this to be helpful.

Remember that your child’s name should be special and unique.

Try not to copy someone else’s special name. This can be seen as a compliment, but also may be taken as rude. Again, your baby’s name should be special and should reflect your baby’s individual personality.

Experiment with known names, as well as with variations and names you make up yourself. Trying several options can help you come to a final decision you (and your partner, if applicable) will be happy with.

Consider how your child might feel about their name once they grow up. Leave room for alternatives, if possible, such as choosing a middle name your child might be able to use instead.

Try using influences from your heritage or another culture you appreciate.

Whichever options you go with, be sure you are doing so out of love for your child and you’ll never make the wrong choice.

Is your teen having a hard time taming those frizzies? Need to find time to relate to each other? One way you can work on both issues is to make homemade beauty products together. Your teen will appreciate less frizziness, the lesson learned, and the time spent with you. All you need are a few ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. In my experience, kids of all ages enjoy this project, but the teens have enjoyed it the most. Tame frizzy hair the homemade way with this fun mom and teen moment.

Make it an Event

Don't just mix up the concoctions and leave it at that. Turn it into a whole makeover experience. You and your teen can prepare homemade beauty solutions together. Then, when finished, style each other's hair. Even if your hair is not frizzy, natural treatments for frizzy hair will still work well on other hair types and will likely give it some shine. You can also prepare party food beforehand and turn it into a pajama party. For even more fun, have your tween invite over her fellow frizzy-haired friends.

Make and Use Homemade Natural Shampoo for Frizzy Hair

Egg and honey shampoo helps maintain control and adds extra sheen. For this beauty concoction, you will need one egg yolk, one half-teaspoon of honey, one half-teaspoon of lemon juice, one fourth-teaspoon of almond extract, and one half-teaspoon of vinegar. The vinegar, lemon juice, and egg are all for cleansing and shine. The honey calms the hair and adds even more shine. The almond extract adds shine and scent.

To prepare the mixture, first beat the egg yolk with a fork until there are no more lumps. Next, add the rest of the ingredients and blend with a fork until smooth. To use the shampoo, wet the hair with lukewarm water. Apply the homemade no-frizz shampoo by rubbing it liberally throughout the hair. It may lather a bit, but it's not going to be near as lathery as commercial products. However, it will clean just as well, if not better. Let it sit in the hair for a couple minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Add homemade conditioner, if necessary.

Make and Use Natural Homemade Conditioner to Tame the Frizz

Our favorite homemade no-frizz conditioner uses mayonnaise and one of two fruits. Take a small jar of real mayo and mix in equal parts of either pureed avocado or pureed banana. Both blends contain vitamins that provide more control and shine and less frizziness. Smooth the conditioner over the entire head of hair. Think of it as a facial, but for you and your teen's hair. Leave the solution on the hair for about 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly. If you have trouble rinsing, use a small amount of half vinegar and half water to rinse more thoroughly. Brush or comb the hair and style as usual. Air drying is recommended.

Prepare and Use Natural Hair Serum for Frizzy Hair

If your teen's hair needs some extra frizz treatment, you'll also want to use this serum. Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil in an olive oil base. For added scent and shine, you can also add one fourth-teaspoon each of almond extract and peppermint extract. Pour a small amount into the palm, rub together and spread over hair. Comb or brush through and style as usual. Store in a closed bottle in a cool area. This solution can be applied to the hair once or twice each day to control the frizz.

Prepare and Use Natural Homemade Styling Gel to Tame Frizziness

All you need to style frizzy hair is flax seeds and water. Boil one cup of water. Then, slowly add two tablespoons of flax seeds turning the heat down to simmer. Simmer and stir for about ten minutes or until the mixture is gel-like. Use a cheesecloth to strain the gel (without the seeds) into a bottle or other container. If desired, you can also add almond extract for scent and pure aloe gel for extra softness. Leave the choice up to your teen.

Getting advice from your mom does not mean that you are a bad parent. It simply means you are willing to admit that you aren't the only one who can solve a parenting issue. Besides, if you turned out to be a fairly decent person, your mom must know a thing or two about motherhood. No one does everything perfect, but most every woman who has embarked on motherhood has a good tip or two share.

The best piece of advice I got from my mom was actually indirect. However, I don't think it was very accidental. While she never outright told me to apply this to raising my own kids, the way she raised my siblings and I led me right into that direction.

As far back as I can remember, my mom always inserted creativity into everything we did. Before I even had kids, I knew I would do the same. That creativity is a big part of what made our childhood so fun. As a matter of fact, it also lends a great deal to my career choice as a published freelance writer and author.

Anyhow, getting to the parenting of my own kids, in some of the first moments with my newborn first daughter, my mind wandered thinking of all the creative adventures I soon would be having with her. The first creative adventure with her came in the form of cleaning up an interesting newborn mess.

However, her first craft project was much more fun than that. I remember the joy on her face as she dipped her tiny hands in finger paint and slopped it all over a big pile of papers in front of her. I had to again use the creativity as I cleaned up the mess afterward, but those creative moments shared with her were worth more than a perfectly clean house would have been.

I always loved the one-on-one time spent with each one of my kids as they were babies, crying at one o'clock, then two, then three, then four, and so on. Even so, one of the most accomplished parenthood moments is getting a baby to sleep through the night. My personal method is to establish a routine from the get-go. Here’s how.

In the beginning, I always respond to the baby's every needs because, as a newborn, the baby is crying for a reason. As the baby gets older, I try to minimize response time. It's important always to check because even if baby has eaten and has been changed, there still may be a problem.

Baby could have gas, want the pacifier, or even just have an itch. One of the challenges of parenting (that gets easier over time) is figuring out what that need is. A baby whose needs are met is more likely to get a comfortable sleep.

With my first child, I made the mistake of turning on lights, playing toys with her, and much more. This led to her thinking that night time was play time. I quickly learned that to turn that attitude around, I had to change the night time routine.

One thing I always did from then on with all the children was to keep lights and other distractions to a minimum when tending to baby at night. The point is to make night time sort of boring, while still attending to baby's needs. This lets baby know that nighttime is a time for sleep and there isn't much else going on that is worth staying up for.

Cuddling is, of course, fine. You don’t want to be unloving or cold. You just want to be sure Baby knows it’s time to relax when the lights are out.

The first night that each child slept all the way through was one of those moments in parenting that isn't easily forgotten. Motherhood is awesome, but there are times where it can drain all your energy. Infancy certainly is one of those times, especially before a baby sleeps the whole night through.

The relief from an actual full night of sleep is like bliss to a parent, not only because they can sleep. But, the main benefit is knowing you have taught your baby a valuable and healthy lesson that will be beneficial throughout their life.

Sometimes kids can teach us good lessons, we don't expect. My kids often teach me things, simply in the way they live. Today was one of those days -- and it was full of silliness (VIDEO proof below).

After a busy, somewhat stressful day, Rich and I decided to take the younger two to the playground for some fun. That's when I realized we hadn't taken enough pictures recently with all the running around.

We snapped the selfie above, which is my current Facebook profile pic, of course. Now, you know that was NOT the only shot. There were goofy faces and pretend mad faces etc until we got the right one. After that, we had fun watching the kids goof off on the playground.

That rest was much needed. We then got some more work done when they took off to the pool with one of their older sisters and played at their friend's house afterward.

Once I went to go get them, with an extra trailing along (one of those friends, of course), Aja (the 11 year old) proceeded to be funny with her swimming goggles. You can see a video of part of that below.

Have you ever noticed how much kids laugh in a single day? When was the last time you did that?

Today's Momtrepreneur Lesson: Put a little bit (or a lot) of silly in every day. You need it. We sure did.

As my family and I sit here planning our next camping trip, all I can do is laugh, remembering our first camping experience years ago. We were so unprepared. What happened is pretty hilarious now, but at the time it wasn't all that funny. You see, we really had no clue what we would need, but we sure thought we did. It's a good thing our accompanying friends had a few things we were lacking. Unfortunately, we did have to leave the campsite for the rest of the items, which would not have been as simple if we hadn't had friends with us or if we had chosen a more remote location.It's obvious that a tent is needed for camping, unless a cabin or camper is being used. However, what wasn't so obvious to us during our first camping trip was to bring extra stakes and tie downs. Sometimes what comes with the tent just won't cut it, as we found out when one section of our tent sagged no matter what we did. Borrowing a friend's extra stake and tie down solved the problem.Another item we mistakenly left out was sunscreen. At the time, we were not very good at wearing sunscreen to begin with, so it's no surprise we forgot that, but on a camping trip sunscreen is essential. Being outdoors all day without protection from the sun is not good for the skin at all. I've even heard that putting it in the hair can help prevent sun streaks and split ends. Luckily, our friends had some extra sunscreen we could use.Thicker, longer socks was something we hadn't considered at all for our camping trip list. This was one of the items we had to leave the camp site for. Since we were camping in an area that could have contained ticks, we really should have had better socks on, as well as packed additional ones. Thankfully we were not too far outside of town, so it was fairly easy to pick up some appropriate socks.In addition to the items above, there were several more items we forgot during that trip. Because of that experience, we now know exactly what to bring, so I guess it was good for a lesson. Some of the items on our main camping trip supply list are: tent and extra stakes and tie downs, tarp, hammer, pillow/sleeping bag/extra blanket/air mattress/sheets for each person, air pump, air mattress repair kit, compass and map for each person, folding chair for each person, folding table, fishing poles/bait/line/bucket, lots of water (some for drinking, some for cleaning), cooking source, cookware, utensils, knives, food, fire source, trash bags, plastic tablecloth, dish soap, foil, tissue, paper towels, dishes and silverware, plastic bin for dish-washing, personal care items, clothing for all weather types, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and various other items, depending on the camping trip.

Oh no! Summer break is fast-approaching and supermom just isn't ready. How can you maintain your sanity while still being everything your kids need this summer? Supermoms may look cool and collected on the outside but on the inside it can be a whole new story. We moms can have so much responsibility and so little time. Do you have your supermom sanity checklist ready for summer break?Go into summer break with an open mind. It's fine to plan some things. But remember that this is supposed to be fun -- for you as well as the kids. Leave room for those last-minute moments of fun that come along. Schedules can help ensure the kids won't be bored and you don't miss any important business plans. But don't be afraid to stray from the schedule when warranted. Stay sane by remembering that it is OK if things are not perfectly planned out all the time. After all, it's summer time. Let loose a little and be open to changes.Have plenty for everyone to do ahead of time. Be it scheduled activities or coloring books for road trips, make sure you have something for the kids to do. Otherwise be prepared to have your sanity tested each time someone blurts out "I'm bored" several times each hour. Outdoor and indoor toys and crafts can help busy the kids. For the younger set, bubbles, large beads and laces, blocks, balls, and outdoor push toys are good choices. For older kids, try a soccer ball and goal, skates, and puzzles and games (both board and book). You will likely have much more on your list, but that's a start.It's OK to mix business with pleasure. If your boss will allow it, try doing some of your work at home to cut back on the hours you'll be in the office. This way, you get more time with the kids, even if some of it will be spent working. Won't this make a supermom even more insane? I personally get a certain peace of mind from being at home with the kids. As a work at home mom, I know how frustrated kids can get when the focus is on work. But each time the kids and I talk, all in all, they would still prefer I work at home. Kids want to play outside? Set yourself up a workspace in the backyard and let them have at it while you get work done. Best of both worlds.Always have a backup plan. This cannot be stressed enough. You may think you have everything planned out perfectly. But sometimes things don't go the way they are intended. An event may finish up early or get canceled. Transportation plans may fail. Be sure you have an alternative activity for the kids to do in these cases. This includes packing "emergency packs" of toys and books in the vehicle (in case there's a breakdown), knowing alternative recreational options, and keeping a list of local places the kids enjoy.Relax. No matter what you are doing this summer, remember to take a breather. Nothing can drive a supermom insane more than overworking herself. And trust me, this is something very common in a supermom. What mom doesn't believe she can do it all? But guess what? Doing it all should also involve taking time out to relax. Include the family in part of that. For instance, everyone can do yoga together to wind down at the end of the day. Then mom's personal relaxation time can be a warm bath after the kids are fast asleep.*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Everything fun! That seemed to end up being the theme of today, though mostly unplanned. Lots of things got done today and pretty much all of them were fun. As most of you know, I’m a major workaholic.. But I’m also silly and fun most of the time. Some of you may know that I’m back to Crafting to Help Homeless Pets. I also like to post the leftover things we can’t use for that on Listia. That way, other folks can get some quality beads (and other things) and I can use the credits for supplies. Keeping our bead (and other) supply flowing helps out more homeless pets by allowing us to make and sell more jewelry and other crafts. We don’t profit by much after shipping and donation to the animal shelters. But, we mostly do it for the pets. Anyhow, it was a productive day in that regard because I made a sale on Etsy yesterday, as well as had a few auctions end in credit bids on Listia. That meant Rich and I had to get those things sent out to the post office. That trip was productive for obvious reasons. We were also able to snag a few needed items from A.C. Moore (a craft store) and Market Basket (a grocery store), as well as fill up the gas tank. After that, we came home and got lots more done. I was able to make and post a couple more jewelry items on Etsy. I also was able to get some content posted, as was Rich. How is all of this related to fun? Um, you do know me, right? Work is FUN!! Besides, who wouldn’t love a career like this? I get to make crafts, help animals, write, publish, design websites, etc. You see, it’s all creative, just like me. Of course it was fun!Wait, where does the color come in? I said something about color, didn’t I? Guess what I did...again? Yup, re-dyed my hair purple. Most people hate the process involved with coloring hair. But, not me. I use vegan hair dye, so I don’t have to deal with the icky chemical smell and scalp burns. No thanks! I have fun coloring my hair, from start to finish. While the hair color was setting, Rich and I were watching the first two Hobbit movies to get us into the mood for the third one, which he just won the UV code for. I was also publishing and writing and editing and other stuff, as usual. Anyway, we had both seen the first two in the series. But we never got around to the third one, which we plan to do tomorrow. Another fun thing was that Rich got to watch his team (the Boston Red Sox) kick some serious butt in their first game of the season. I’m more of a basketball fan than a baseball fan. But that was a pretty entertaining game. The eleven year old also texted us some cute videos she made. Speaking of her, I won a good sized book lot for her in an eBay auction a few days ago. So I got to tell her about that, as well as give her funds for more books at the school book fair. Yeah, we’re all book nuts. What can I say? More fun! I also played a funny late April Fool’s joke on the kiddos and texted them all a pic of me in a ponytail at just the right angle, telling them I cut my hair because I was tired of it. They freaked out -- and then laughed hard when I informed them it was a joke. Now we’re watching Bates Motel, as I continue to write and make more jewelry and Rich gets to play some games on the computer. Not sure how much more I’ll get tonight because I’m such a workaholic. But hey, as you can see, I do know how to have fun, too. Everything is fun with me - even work. Did you do anything fun recently? Tell me about it.

I recently bought aSamsung Galaxy S5and turned my old Samsung S3 into an amazing tablet for my son. I know what you're thinking.The Samsung Galaxy S3was not a cheap phone when I bought it. That's the point. I paid good money for my S3. But my current prepaid cell phone carrier isn't supporting it any longer and I'm not willing to switch to a contract carrier. Besides, the S5 is obviously an upgrade that I'm enjoying.

How the Idea Came AboutMy three girls all have smart phones with the same carrier I do. But my son is the youngest and hasn't yet earned that privilege. All of the cheap tablets and portable game devices we've purchased over time have gotten broken. But the kids have always been good about the phone when they've used it to play games or make calls.So I had this genius idea to make my son an awesome tablet from my S3, so that he would be able to play the same games with the other kids. That's way better than recycling it and getting back pennies compared to what I paid for it. It still has many miles of use left. Trashing or recycling it would be wasteful right now.

How I Made a Tablet Using the Samsung Galaxy S3The first thing I did was download the Smart Switch Mobile app, allowing me to transfer the files, texts, call log, etc from the S3 over to my new S5. Then, I restored the S3 to factory condition so that it would be renewed. I then disabled and/or password-protected all factory apps my son wouldn't need or shouldn't have.Next, I set up his phone and created new Google and Samsung accounts for my son's tablet that do not have credit cards attached. This way, anything he downloads has to be free. I then downloaded Avast mobile and also added a few more parental - type safety measures, so that my son's new tablet would be protected.Once that maintenance work was done, it was time to download apps my son would find useful. I downloaded a healthy variety of both educational games, as well as other types. Built-in apps already included things like drawing/painting, taking notes, office software, and the like. Because many tablets run on the same Android technology as the Samsung Galaxy S3, it was easy to find plenty of games for kids. How I Made My Son's "New" Samsung Galaxy S3 Tablet DurableAny experienced parent knows that devices kids use need to be both safe and durable. As mentioned above, I took care of the safety part. As for durability, I searched Amazon for the sturdiest case I could find that was suitable for kids. The case had to be tough enough to help the tablet withstand occasional dropping. But it also had to be kid-friendly in appearance.After searching a bit, I came across many different character cases. They were all pretty thick. But I especially liked the dark color combination (less likely to show kid dirt) of theZooky Black Cow silicone case. The thickness of this case, as well as the amount of protection around the camera, speaker, and microphone were perfect. I also liked that it came with a free screen protection sheet, as the Samsung Galaxy S3 needed a new one. I had since removed the one that I purchased with it, as the person who installed it did it incorrectly and I never got around to replacing it. So this solved that issue.The Convenience of a Phone-Sized Tablet for KidsAs it turns out, using my old phone as a tablet is actually better than getting my son a regular tablet. My son can easily carry it in his pocket, making it even more portable than a regular tablet. I researched many tablets and the camera in my old Samsung S3 is better than those in tablets within a comfortable price range. It also has a great deal of space, even without an SD card.Adding an SD card will come later, especially when he starts taking more pictures and video. But even after downloading 40 game apps for him, I hadn't even come close to using up the available internal space. Now my son can play his own games, as well as compete with his sisters in the games they love together.

*These changes and modifications are not necessarily recommended by the manufacturer. The author has made these modifications of her own volition. If you try this, please be responsible and do your own research regarding safety and other matters in relation to this choice. The author is not responsible for any actions that occur as a result of these changes.

The other day, my two teen girls and I were browsing around in a few stores. When we got to the clothing section in the thrift store, a kind helpful employee overheard our conversation about the affordability of this particular store. So we struck up a conversation with her. About mid-conversation she says "Oh yeah, we have lots of great stuff for girls your age." She then proceeded to talk about fashion and such. Once she finished, I said something like "I'm the mom, by the way." She was in disbelief for a second because she actually believed that I was a teen, like my girls. She then asks me how old my kids were. She thought my kids were at home and smaller. Well, she was halfway correct. The younger two were at school. I informed her that the 15 and 17 year old were those ages and were in fact my kids. The conversation continued into more talk like that for a bit. I’m never sure whether to be flattered or feel immature when people mistake me for a teenager. This isn’t the first time. Most of the time I take it as a compliment. But sometimes I wonder if looking too young may not always be a good thing.

Until the next adventure! ~ Lyn *I originally published this on PersonaPaper (I have since removed it).

If you've been reading my work, you'll know that there are many places I feel kids belong in, such as outdoors and in trees. Kids also belong at the beach. It's where they can immerse themselves right in nature -- you know, beach mud, water, and the like.From building sand castles with their mommy's used Mountain Dew bottles (yeah there's unfortunately enough to go around) to collecting shells on the shore or squishing sand in their toes from the ocean floor, my kids thoroughly enjoy beach time. Being in Denver, we haven't had any of that in a while and these are older pics. But I can't wait until our next visit to New York state -- and finally our move there in the future. They'll get some much needed beach time there, for sure. There's a man-made reservoir not far from us, where ironically these photos were taken. But it's not the same and has been getting dirtier and dirtier over time so we haven't been going there anymore, unfortunately.

Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

Back to my point, beach time is both fun and necessary. Humans have a special bond with dirt. We like to get dirty. But that's really not the whole of it. Mud and sand is actually good for our skin -- and our soul. It has important nutrients that smooth our skin. But maybe more importantly, that feeling of squishing beach sand between the toes is irreplaceable, as is sifting the dry sand through our hands. Splashing in the water, feeling the ripples of the waves, and even feeling little fish swim between your legs is all a part of the experience as well. It's sad to think that some kids will never experience these things.Watching boats, duck families, fish, and more from the pier is also a peaceful action that satisfies the soul. Kids these days are so stressed out and I firmly believe that it's because many of them are so immersed in television, video games, and other manufactured forms of entertainment that their brains never get a rest. Kids need nature, such as the beach in order to truly be at peace. I'm not saying they can't have a little fun with those other things -- mine do. But make sure your kids to a beach or other form of nature often. Let them get right in the thick of it, get dirty in it, meditate in it, explore in it, just have fun.

Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved

As I write this, I am at a park with my kiddos and their friends and they are relaxing out in a field of sand on some large rocks but were disappointed that the water in the small creek bed has dried up. It's a natural thing for kids to do to gravitate toward sand, water, and nature in general. Kids belong at the beach and elsewhere outdoors. When we can't get to the beach, we try to create that scene in other ways by getting out in nature the way we can. Before we had an apartment, we even built a mock beach in our backyard. Have your kids been to the beach lately? If you are like us and don't have one near you, what other things do you do to replicate it? *I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there).

Ever bought your kid an expensive toy only to have the box be the best entertainment? Of course you have. There's a reason for that. Kids belong in boxes.

Boxes hold a treasure trove of possibilities for kids. They can use them for lemonade stands, dollhouses, playhouses, cars, circus tents, posters, and so much more. If you haven't let your kids play with boxes, they're missing out big time – and you are missing out on some long-lasting busy time for them that you can take advantage of.

About a month or so ago, a new neighbor moved into our building in the apartment complex. The kids were fascinated watching them come out with so many boxes to leave them on the patio. Since they appeared so interested, I suggested they go ask if the neighbors needed help.

Turns out they were going to take all the boxes to the dumpster. So the kids offered to do it for them. But I suggested they actually bring all of the boxes inside for some fun. Well of course they were thrilled by that and invited their friends over to build for hours on end. It was the weekend so the fun went on for a few days straight.

Even though a few rooms in our apartment were filled with cardboard box concoctions (including the living room), I let the fun go on until the boxes were pretty much unusable. Even the pets got a kick out of this and could be found lounging in a few of the playhouses.

Am I a "ghetto” mommy? Some might say so where things like this are concerned (I prefer “resourceful” or as my friends affectionately call me “Black Martha” – yes, they mean Martha Stewart). But am I a fun mommy? You bet. So give me all the labels you want. My kids (and all of the neighborhood kids) love it.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff WriterPositive discipline consists of more than disciplining your child in a calm manner. Positive discipline for children should consist of steps that lead to the child's well-being and development, teach a lesson about the issue at hand, and not be condescending in nature. In positive discipline for children, the action taken should lead to the child understanding why his or her behavior was wrong, as well as teach that child a life lesson that will help to prevent similar incidents in the future.First, there are a few things to remember about positive discipline for children. Every family will not follow the exact same methods, as every family is different. Also, different methods should apply to different situations. A child who has hit another child should not be getting the same form of positive discipline as a child who forgot to make his bed before breakfast.Different misbehaviors have different consequences and the discipline should fit accordingly. Also, remember to always follow through. Any form of positive discipline for children that is discussed, yet not carried out, will be ineffective. Not following through shows a child that he or she can do certain things without consequences and that isn't a good idea because that is not how the world works.Daily Chore Add-Ons - One good form of positive discipline for children is to add on an extra daily chore for a week. Doing this can teach a child responsibility. At the same time, it also teaches a child that there are consequences for actions.Misbehavior Journal - Another good form of positive discipline is to have a journal for each time a child misbehaves. The child should write down what his or her feelings were during the time of the act, as well as why he or she committed the misbehavior. This should be a private journal between parent and child. None of the children should ever see each other's journals. Once the child has written down the thoughts, the parent should in turn, respond to those thoughts with understanding, as well as a way for the child to resolve that type of situation in the future.Behavior Money Jar - I also like to keep a jar for each kid in a place easily accessible by older children, but out of reach of younger children. In each kid's jar is any money they have that isn't for savings. Each time one of the kids does something that hurts another in some way, they have to take out a pre-determined amount (depending on what they've done) and place it into the child's jar who they've hurt or offended. Each time they do something good for someone, I might place a certain amount of money into their jar, but not always. This form of positive discipline for children reflects what may happen in adult life. In adult life, if we hurt someone, we are likely going to be paying for it in the long run. Likewise, if we do good deeds, eventually they will come back around. However, it doesn't work that way every single time, which is why I only give the money sometimes.Volunteering - Volunteer work is also a great form of positive discipline. You never want to insinuate that the volunteering is a form of punishment because that sends the wrong message. You instead want to say something like, "I noticed that you were unhappy about some of the food choices we made in the grocery store. How about we go together and donate those foods to people who don't have the same type of choices we have?” Then, go from there with the volunteer work. This will likely trigger the child's thought process and let him or her realize that they cannot always have everything they want. It hopefully will also cause them to think twice about complaining when they know there are kids out there who don't have a fraction of what they do.Good Deeds - Similar to the volunteer work, another great method is to elect the offending child as "Favor Giver of the Day." For one day, this person has to do at least one requested good deed for each member of the household. This form of positive discipline for children is good for when the child has disrespected one or more family members. This lesson usually teaches a child that it's more fun to help others than it is to mistreat them.Note: The author's positive parenting method has evolved into what she calls Upstream Parenting.*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff WriterMany parents know all too well the rush and frustration of preparing children to go out the door for school. Here are some easy and effective ways to help that time run much smoother. While no list can be truly complete of time-saving tips, here are the ones I have found to be most effective in getting my children out the door faster.Prepare Supplies & Clothing Ahead Of TimeThis one cannot be stressed enough. It helps to prepare everything the night before. If clothing, shoes, and backpacks are ready the night before, this will make for an easier morning. If a child is searching frantically for shoes in the morning, it will certainly take away precious time. If your child likes to pick his or her own clothing, be sure it is done the night before. Also, showers or baths can be taken right before bed to cut down on getting ready in the morning.Make Quick Breakfasts On School DaysQuick breakfasts can still be healthy if you choose the right items and they will make for less stress and more time to get ready. For instance, a breakfast of toast, fruit, and yogurt is one healthy option that will only take a few moments to prepare.Pack Lunches The Night BeforeIf your child brings lunches to school, consider packing lunches the night before. Choose items that will be okay through a night in the refrigerator or on the counter. If you pack sandwiches, pack the insides separately from each other and from the bread. This way, the bread doesn't get soggy. Sign Papers The Night BeforeThis will go hand in hand with the following tip, but always be sure to check for and sign papers ahead of time. These should be placed in the backpack as soon as they are signed, so that they are where they need to be. This saves time hunting for them in the morning.Be Sure Your Child's Backpack Is Checked Ahead Of TimeA backpack should always be checked right after your child gets home from school. However, if the parent getting the child ready in the morning is not the person who is there after school or if your children are in childcare after school, checking the backpack may slip your mind at times. You never know when there might be an important note or a forgotten homework paper. Be sure to check the backpack the night before, preferably as soon as possible, in case there is forgotten homework.Use Quick Or Convenient HairstylesIf possible, fix your child's hair the night before. Small French braids are a hairstyle that will stay in place for up to a week when done in your child's natural hair. It doesn't have to be in corn rows. It can be done in many different styles and designs. This works both for boys and girls. If your child has hair that will not stay in place or you just don't know how to do French braids, opt for quick hairstyles, such as putting it in a ponytail or just leaving it down. Mohawks are easy for kids to maintain themselves. A bun is another quick hairstyle that doesn't require much effort. Buns can be quite cute, especially if you have a couple extra minutes to make two to three, rather than just one. The quickest way to make a secure bun is to first make a ponytail with the section of the hair that the bun will be in. Then, twist the pony tailed hair around the ponytail holder that is holding it. Place another ponytail holder around the bun. That will hold it in place.*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff WriterNeed some inspiration? Look no further than your own kids. If you're a parent, you most likely already know this. Kids can give us insight we can get nowhere else. Sometimes they do it in the funniest ways - ways you couldn't have imagined if you tried.

Fear - Simple things frighten a child and they react in interesting ways. At times, fear can lead to children motivating or inspiring their parents. One such instance happened to me several months ago. My son has been afraid of swings ever since he was old enough to use them. The only exception to that was his baby swing. One afternoon at the park, he sits on the swing. I thought maybe this would be the day he'd let me push him. I'm a freelance writer, so naturally I had the laptop and a paper notebook in my tote bag. Just as I start to push him, he exclaims "Don't push me, Ma! You really need to write that article!" Since he was so persistent, I did just that.

Nonchalant Attitude - Kids don't care if they get messy and they don't care who's watching when they do it. Of course, there are times when they'll need to be neat anyway. But us adults actually need to take lessons from them sometimes. The other day I was walking along a trail with my kids. It's one we frequent often. They wanted to run down the path that was muddy. Before they could hear me refuse, they took off full speed. Of course, one ended up down for the count. And yes, wouldn't you know it was the one with a new outfit on. I could have panicked, but her cheerful nature was inspiration to me instead. She was perfectly happy, despite being covered in mud. Taking her to a nearby store (we were not close to home) for a replacement outfit with her covered in mud was another lesson. That day she inspired me to keep my humble attitude and also remember that getting dirty was no big deal. In fact, it can be quite fun.

Expectations - Instead of expecting things to go wrong, most kids expect good to come from life. Adults can often forget that all things are possible. When adults apply for a promotion or a position with a new company, they worry if they'll get accepted. When kids try something new, most of them will just give it their all. They expect it to go how it should. Take for instance, the other day with three of my kids. There is a long walking trail that we always would pass by and have never taken it. This is a separate one from the one mentioned above. Yesterday when we came across it, my oldest says "Let's just take the path, Mom." I almost said "No."

I did not know where it led nor where it ended. I only knew that it looked very long and led away from our destination. Thoughts flashed through my head that it was a bad idea. But, instead of listening to those negative expectations, I took inspiration from my daughter. Yes, it did end up leading far from our destination. But the kids and I had an excellent day enjoying nature. The path was eight miles long, but ended up in an area I was very familiar with. The way back ended up being much shorter than the distance of the path. Sometimes the long path that may seem rough is the one you should expect the best from.*I originally published this via Yahoo Shine

Green parenting has definitely become a trend. But, as a parent who has been committed to living green for quite some time, I'm here to tell you it's much more than just a trend. At least that's true for our family. I started down the path of living green not because of a trend, but because of a commitment to making the Earth a great place for my kids to be in the future and for generations to come.

I don't know the exact date I started our family on this journey and don't really recall there being any sort of epiphany. It seems that I've always instilled at least some green habits. As we discover new things, I add more and more to our lifestyle. I don't base our green living habits on what so-and-so is doing or on the latest fad green products. Instead, I make conscious choices on what's good for the environment and what is not. I consider the impact each time I make a purchase or commit an action. Being a green parent is less about special products and more about minimalism and reducing waste and chemical usage.

Believe it or not, everyday activities, like visiting the park with the kids, can make a huge negative impact on the environment. This is especially true if they are regular activities or a parent is not thinking green at the time. Of course, no one is perfect. Even I participate in activities that are not Earth-friendly. We all do both consciously and subconsciously. But if we can be green as much as possible, this beautiful planet will stay pretty even longer. Just because we may not be around to see its demise doesn't mean we should be careless. Our kids and their kids and so on need a healthy place to grow.

Try cleaning the house with homemade solutions that are both cost-effective and better for the environment. A bonus is that the kids can also help you clean and they and your pets will be safer. Use homemade shampoos and natural haircare alternatives for the family. Kids like to be messy, so let them join in making some of these items.

Teach kids to be green with lessons that will last a lifetime. Teach them by doing, but also explain what you are doing and why. Be creative in instilling the lessons. Play games, incorporate it into the chores, and just have fun! Green parenting is important, but it certainly does not need to be boring. *I originally published this via Yahoo Shine

A few weekends ago, the kids had some good friends over and being a holiday (though, not one we celebrate in the most popular way), I had promised I wouldn't work too much. I never promise a whole day off because I'm a workaholic and a single mother. I also work at home so my work is readily available, but I digress. An opportunity presented itself to wing it, so I did.

Forming A Brilliant Idea

Because we had nothing better to do, I get this brilliant beyond brilliant idea to take all of my kids, both of our dogs, plus some of their friends and an extra dog to the park. I don't have a vehicle, so of course the plan was to walk on the trail that led us to the intended park. Our nature trails can take us to several parks, depending on which way we choose to go. We chose the largest park and headed that way. Yes, I am insane enough to take a walk with six kids and three dogs with only me as the sole adult. Us single parents know how to work it whatever it may be.

Learning the Many Ways To Wing It

The kids wanted to play on the way, of course. So who was going to walk the dogs? Why me, of course. Yep, winging it because I had never walked the extra dog before, nor had she been walked with our dogs and here I was about to hold all three of their leashes together. Thankfully, it worked out well. They had been introduced briefly a few times and apparently that was enough to satisfy them all. In some situations, you just have to go with the flow and let the chips fall as they may.

The restroom and drinking fountain were closed and of course the kids needed both so we made use of a nearby store for both purposes and went right back to playing. The dogs wanted to run around and the kids wanted to use the playground so I found a spot in the field that was next to the playground so I could run with the dogs while watching the kids.

Life Lessons In Winging It For Everyone

Throughout this walk and park visit, many interesting situations came up where I had to wing it. But that's life. No matter how much you plan things, sometimes you just have to wing it and in the end, you may find out that winging it is the both the best lesson and the best fun you've had in quite a long time. It's quite fine to plan things. You have to have goals. But it's also good to just let it go and let it flow.

All of these scenarios could have been stressful and some may not have gotten involved in the whole thing, to begin with. But I've quickly learned in many experiences that if you have an open mind and are aware of your surroundings (and all the many ways you can use them to your advantage), life can lead to some fun adventures.

“What?! Girl, you need to get out there and mingle.” This is a typical reaction from well-meaning friends and family about me being single. I mingle. I have many friends and have met many nice singles, like myself. I enjoy the company of several people that could possibly be a good match for me. Lack of available potential partners is not the problem. In fact, there is no problem – unless you call being happy a problem. There are however, some personal reasons I am choosing to stay single on purpose for now.

Where is the time?

I hardly have time in a day to get through everything on my current schedule. Imagine adding a partner to the mix. I honestly feel sorry for anyone besides my kids, pets, and job that would be in need of large amounts of attention from me right now. I can't give it anywhere else.

There's just no time between homeschooling, transporting kids to extra classes, running normal errands for myself and four kids, walking three dogs several times per day, working, housework, family fun, and everything else a single momtrepreneur has to handle.

I'm sure that I would make time if somehow in my busy schedule, I was able to connect with someone on that deeper level. But right now, being single is the most considerate option for myself, as well as any potential partner – unless I happen to connect with one who is just as busy and understands this.

Independence is huge.

I am one of those people who needs this – and lots of it. Staying single lets me keep that. I am sure there are potential partners who would as well. But at this moment in time, I am not ready to give up my independence if I end up with one who can't handle that.

Freedom to be me and handle my busy life without answering to another is very necessary for me right now. All of the important things in my life are necessary and all of them need to be done on time and without anyone else's possible objection.

Is that selfish?

If meeting my family’s needs and doing my job efficiently is selfish, then I guess so. But I doubt it. It's just life and right now, I need to be free to live it. I can't drop these things if someone else has an issue with any of them. This same independence is necessary for my children and no one else will change that.

Both in work life and home life, I am a workaholic.

If my kids need to get to a class, I will make it happen, no matter how many other things are going on that day. If I get a last-minute call to attend a business-related meeting, I'm there. If my kids and pets want to go play at the park, I will go, even if I have to do my work from there. I will always squeeze in more tasks when it comes to both work life and home life.

Many partners cannot handle this aspect of my life. I am not going to change it. My work always comes first, be it managing my household or managing my career. Both are my job and I do my job well – and twenty-four hours per day. If my family or my job needs me, I am there. I cannot choose the time of day someone might get sick or or otherwise need me. I am at work all the time.

Being single is the best way for me to ensure this stays exactly how it is. This is my life. I love it and will always be a workaholic. Of course, should there ever be time for a partner, you can bet I'd be a workaholic at making that work too.

I am too open-minded.

When it comes to relationships, and life in general, my ideas are a bit too free for some to handle. I am one of those people who respects others whether our beliefs and actions align or not. You'd think this wouldn't be a problem because it means in a relationship with me, both people are free to be who they are and do as they please. But some people cannot handle this kind of thing at all – because if they are “free” then so am I.

You want an open relationship? Cool. Just let me know. If we mesh, let's make that happen. Do you like to collect something strange and disperse it all over your house? Fine with me. I'll probably ask you to explain the history behind some or all of your items. Even if we end up living in the same house and I hate your taste in collectibles, you can put them where you want them, even with some of my prized possessions if you wish.

Sound good to you? Awesome. Does it sound just as good if you have to give me the same rights? In my experience, most say no with their actions and that’s where the problem lies. Our family life could be considered a bit eclectic. I “allow” my kids to be loud, as long as it's a happy loud. In fact, I join right in most of the time. We are a silly, fun, and zany family.

My son goes in public in his clown outfitoften and sometimes I join him. Sometimes we all dress up in costumes when it's not Halloween. The welcome sign on our door says “Welcome to the jungle. Enter if u dare.” It has a jungle scene painted on top with the first sentence and a Halloween-esque scene on the bottom half with the second sentence. Trust me, to handle our lifestyle, you need an open mind.

Single and misery are not synonymous.

Neither are relationships and happiness. Life is always what you make it. A person can be happy and single. You don't see me moping around the house, crying to my friends that I need a life partner. No way! Why not? I'm happy. I will always be happy, no matter my relationship status.

If I do get in a relationship, it won't be to create happiness. It will be because I have found someone that I bond with. We will both be a good accent to the other, but we will not be responsible for each other's happiness. If we are truly happy, then happiness together will come naturally.

I have no objection to having a partner. I am simply not willing to settle for just anyone to say I'm in a relationship. I'd rather be happy myself unless and until I truly connect with someone. The word “single” is not an evil word.

UPDATE: I did end up finding someone I mesh with way too well (good enough that I made him co-owner of this network). Big change, but it took years after I posted this for it to happen (READ OUR STORY) and then we made another addition to this big, crazy happy family. You can read about her atThe Nova Skye Story. Her sister Kymani is also on the way! Yay!

This move may be my biggest one yet. Those who know me well know that I have lived in Denver since I was a small child. So about six years ago, my then husband (now ex) and I made a bold move and hauled the kids all the way to Houston. But of course, Denver called us back -- a whim decision made on a vacation. That was a couple years ago.

Things have been awesome. However, another place is calling me. In fact, it's been calling me since I left as a child. So, once again, I am going to be packing up the kids and pets and headed across country -- we are moving to the New York City area. Yes, the big one. Yikes! Well, that's what some are saying. I'm saying "Yippee" and every other excited word -- shouting them off the rooftops. Unfortunately for my neighbors, I am doing that literally by blasting my favorite songs that make me think of it -- and singing to them in my loudest voice too, of course. It's a good thing I have great -- and equally loud -- neighbors.

No, I am not from the NYC area. I was born in a small town in upstate NY. So why NYC then? I want to try something new that seems like me, while also getting back to my home state. I miss the water, for one thing. We are so deprived of that scene here in Denver. Colorado is awesome, actually. But it's not New York -- and its not me. I need lots of culture, art, yummy food, theatre, and so much more -- things Colorado has, but at a much smaller scale. have you ever tasted the cheese back East? The Italian food? Even the chocolate tastes better in New York.

I really can't even begin to describe all of my reasons. But my heart has been in New York since the day I was born and I need to bring it back where it belongs. Yonkers is our first choice. But suggestions for areas no more than an hour from NYC are welcome in the comments section. Stay tuned for updates.

What this means for you, my faithful friends and readers: Well, I hope you really, really like to read what I have to say. As I save to make my dream a reality over this next year, I will be writing and publishing more often than ever on just about every venue available to me. So expect more here, the rest of my sites, and mostly everywhere else I publish.

UPDATE 3/13/2017: This move didn't end up happening, due to life being everchanging. A bunch of other things did, though. Who knows? Maybe someday it will. But right now, it's just not in the cards. To keep up with our recent antics, follow all of our blogs here, but especially RV'ing Successfully, The Nova Skye Story, Kymani's Travels, and of course Momtrepreneur Moments.

Welcome to "Momtrepreneur Moments". Being a business-savvy mom provides quite an interesting life.

There are moments where you just have to stop and laugh at things that happen with the kids, with the business, or even with both at the same time.

There are also moments when you need to reevaluate strategy, pat yourself on the back and pay it forward, or even times when you need to just break down and cry.

But in the end, it is all worth it - for both the business and family side. Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of being a mother and entrepreneur all at once.

With me, you'll laugh, cry, scream in frustration, learn, and teach all at the same time. Such is the life of a mom in the business world. Parenthood and business both teach life-long lessons, some tough and some so simple you'll wonder why you never realized them before.

We also strive to one day cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, we’ll settle for furry rescue kitties and doggies.

We support many causes via our business ventures, such as homelessness, support for trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from Intent-sive Nature goes toward helping homeless pets in local shelters.